The US military has detained two individuals aboard a Navy ship in the Caribbean following a targeted strike that resulted in the deaths of two others on their vessel. This incident marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Venezuela, as reported by various news agencies on Friday.
Since September, the US military has conducted multiple strikes against what they classify as narcoterrorist vessels off the coast of Venezuela. President Donald Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a global drug cartel, intensifying the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The recent detentions represent the first time individuals have survived such strikes, highlighting the escalating conflict in the region.
During a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday, President Trump confirmed that the strike was aimed at a drug-carrying submarine specifically designed for transporting large quantities of narcotics. According to sources cited by Reuters, the Navy deployed helicopters to rescue the two survivors, underscoring the military's operational capabilities in the region.
The attack on Thursday is reported to be the sixth of its kind against narco boats off the Venezuelan coast. The Trump administration claims to have neutralized 28 individuals involved in these operations, raising questions about the legality of such extrajudicial killings. Critics argue that the lack of evidence supporting the US administration's claims undermines the justification for these military actions.
In response to the situation, the US military has significantly redeployed military assets to the Caribbean, including stealth bombers and fighter jets. This military buildup coincides with President Trump's acknowledgment of authorizing covert CIA operations within Venezuela, further heightening fears of potential regime change efforts.
This week, Venezuela urged the UN Security Council to assess the legality of recent US military actions and to reaffirm its support for Venezuelan sovereignty. When questioned by a White House reporter about Maduro's alleged overtures for easing tensions, Trump confirmed that Maduro had made several offers, stating, "You know why? Because he doesn’t want to f— around with the United States."
As the situation progresses, it remains crucial for the international community to monitor the developments surrounding these US military operations and their implications for regional stability and international law.
